HELP...I think I want a rossi!

[wnycollector]

Let start by saying my last three revolver purchases were two P&R S&W N frames (M-27 AND M-28) and a S&W 638 for my wife. I love S&W revolvers BUT I shot a buddies rossi 2" .357 over the summer...and REALLY liked it He has put ~ 250 rounds through it (~50/50 .38's/.357's) w/o a hitch. I'm thinking of picking one up. When you search for opinions/stories about rossi qc...it is hit or miss at best.

My wife likes to shoot the 638 with wadcuttters ONLY so that eliminates all of the high quality +P defensive ammo. I was thinking the added weight of the rossi would make range practice much more enjoyable for her AND allow me to get a snub .357 for me

Should I pick up the rossi or hold out for a decent priced 2.5" S&W 65 or 66 or a 2.75" ruger speed six?

 

[Javelin]

Wow tough decision! All the above mentioned firearms are great quality firearms.

 

[Seven High]

If I were you, I'd buy the Rossi. You already know that you like your friends. You could always trade it off later.

 

[ozarkman]

I purchased one for my better half, but she didn't care for the violent recoil using 125 gr. jhp. She ended up selling it, but she prefers her Sig P239 in 40 S&W anyhow. The Rossi is not the quality of a Ruger or Smith, but since Taurus has taken over Rossi, I think quality is higher now than it was 5 or 10 years ago.

 

[Ala Dan]

You know, with all of the firearms (handguns in particular) that I own; my
wife chooses to carry a stainless, 2" square butt, Rossi model 88 that she
bought her-self, and with her own money~! Does that tell you something
'bout the quality of a Rossi~?

 

[old_ironsights]

This is my wife's car gun. A Rossi 462.



This is my car gun. A Rossi 720.

 

[SJshooter]

Going from an N-frame Smith to a Rossi is like going from a Ferrari to a Yugo.

By comparison, Rossi makes Taurus look good. I think that says it all.

 

[stevereno1]

I had a rossi .357 with the 6" barrel, and it went WAY out of time on me, sending shards of lead into my ear, and nose. Never again!

 

[old_ironsights]

Interestingly, I've had nothing but success with both Rossi's pictured above over the years, but then for me, my experience speaks louder than others' elitist ignorance. I think that says it all.

All revolvers are liable to malfunction, depending on condition, maintenance, handling, loading, and myriad other reasons both on the part of the weapon and the shooter. stevereno1, I'm wondering how you didn't discover the timing problem in your regular maintenance.

 

[SJshooter]

I am not denying that some people have great experiences with Rossi guns. But enough have bad-to-horrible experiences that the reputation of the Rossi brand is in tatters.

Hey, I am sure there are some people who love their Ford Focus and swear it is dependable. But it doesn't make one elitist to suggest that the Focus doesn't stack up well when compared to other cars.

Smith & Wesson didn't get its reputation for strong dependable guns by releasing lemons and Rossi didn't get its reputation for lemons by releasing strong dependable guns. I'm sure S&W has made lemons just like Rossi has made guns that are fine. It's just that these are the exceptions rather than the rule.

 

[Kymasabe]

I had a Rossi 851 .38spcl with a 4" barrel, was their "service" gun, said "Made by Taurus" on the side. Was a great gun, very well made, very accurate, better trigger than most Taurus's I've tried. I sold it to a friend who loved that gun and still has it. I went and bought a S&W instead. Cost twice as much but you just can't beat the feel of a S&W.

 

[wnycollector]

There is a 700 table gun show next month in my area. If I cant find a S&W or Ruger for a decent price I think I'm gonna take the rossi plunge!

I really like its small (colt D frame-ish!!) size AND six shots. I dont plan on shooting full bore 125gr .357's through it...mainly +p 38's, so that should minimize the wear and tare factor.

 

[glocksrfugly]

I just aquired a new Rossi 971 4" blued .357 last month. I have taken it out to the range twice so far. I have to say that out of the seven handguns I own that it is the most accurate! (well except for maybe the .22 Buckmark).
The bluing is nice and the single ation trigger pull is very light and crisp. The double action pull is not quite as nice as an S&W would be but I think it will smooth out after a few hundred rounds. For a $280 gun I really cannot complain.

 

[pj150]

Sent you a PM regarding a Speed Six that you might like.

 

[wnycollector]

PJ150, I got it and replied!

 

[SJshooter]

You got the Speed Six?

Phew!

 

[32 Magnum]

Rossi revolvers

I once owned a Rossi Model 971VRC. It had a high polish stainless finish, 4" ported and compensated barrel with fully adjustable rear sights. That thing was very accurate, reliable and easy to handle. I shot some of my best groups of .357 mag rounds, ever, with that gun. I loaned it to a friend who was a Deputy Game Warden when his S&W needed to go back to the factory for repairs. He, of course, had to qualify with the Rossi before he could carry it on duty. He told me that he and several others at the qualification range felt that my Rossi was smoother and handled better than their S&Ws. I never had a problem with it, except for breaking the rear sight blade, and shot perhaps 1500 rounds through it. Unfortunately, it was stolen along with a couple dozen other guns 4 1/2 years ago and I have not recovered it. I currently own or have owned S&W, Ruger and a couple other revolvers - but that Rossi still sits in my memory as a remarkably desireable and capable piece.

 

[Mot45acp]

old_ironsights
Member


Join Date: 11-17-04
Location: O K L A H O M A
Posts: 57

Please explain this statement:

"but then for me, my experience speaks louder than others' elitist ignorance. I think that says it all."